Organizers of Cranbrook’s first Bleeding Tree International Dark Drama Film Festival are excited to bring a full slate of ‘dark drama’ films to local filmgoers this summer.

Launched in collaboration with the Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT), the August 9, festival at the Stage Studio Door theatre comprises a range of international short, medium, animated and feature-length films focused primarily on traumatic and socially pressing issues.

But according to festival co-creator Mark Wolfe of Creston, the emerging genre of dark drama doesn’t necessarily mean “downer” drama.

“One of the more powerful elements in the films accepted by Bleeding Tree is not the tragedy and despair that increasing numbers of people seem to be experiencing today, but how these people find resolve and humanity in the face of it,” he says. Wolfe previously produced and co- directed THE ORCHARD, a 2022 feature-length drama shot in the Creston Valley that deals with personal damage, drug addiction and fateful outcomes.

CCT President Peter Schalk says collaborating on the debut of this new film festival is another way for CCT members, the ever-proud stewards of the city-owned Studio Stage Door heritage building, to celebrate the 50-year milestone achieved in 2024 with Cranbrook citizens and visitors.

“We are eager to welcome a whole new demographic of people into the beautifully restored and air-conditioned environment to relieve them from the heat of August and treat them to the talented works of filmmakers projected onto the huge screen in the theatre,” said Schalk. “We are also excited to collaborate with folks who are not just filmmakers themselves, but who also co-founded the 7th Siding Festival of Film, now headed into its sixth year in Creston.”

Films accepted by Bleeding Tree thus far have originated from Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK, the US and Canada. Films are accepted in animation, student filmmaker, short documentary, and feature film categories; cash prizes will be awarded to the best films in each category.

The Stage Door concession will be open to serve beverages that can be consumed in the theatre during the affair.

Passes and more information about the Bleeding Tree International Dark Drama Film Festival will be available online at www.cranbrookcommunitytheatre.com or at the door at 11-11th Avenue South, Cranbrook, on August 9.

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